dePaola, Tomie. 26 Fairmount Avenue. Penguin Putnam Books, 1999. ISBN 978-0399232466. Ages 9-11.

In dePaola’s first chapter book, he accesses the best story he could create—a real one.  The first in his 26 Fairmount Avenue series, dePaola tells of the trials and hardships his immediate and extended family must endure while waiting for their new family home to be built. Readers of dePaola’s picture books will recognize characters from those books in his own family—Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs, and Tom.  The book itself does not read like nonfiction or a biography, but more like just another one of dePaola’s stories with its familiar illustrations and vivid storytelling.  Readers will enjoy reading all about dePaola’s life without even realizing that they are.

White, E.B. Charlotte’s Web. Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., 1952. ISBN 978-0060845940. Ages 9-12.

When Fern discovers that her father is going to kill the runt pig in a litter, she vows to nurse him herself. Naming him Wilbur, she forms a strong bond with the pig as he moves to live on her uncle’s farm. But Wilbur soon finds out that he is meant to be slaughtered later in the year. So with the help of his newfound friend Charlotte, a spider living in a web above his pen, they become determined to make him not just any ordinary pig. This beautiful story tells of the unlikely friendship between a pig and a spider, and how through much determination and sacrifice, anything can be accomplished. Reluctant readers will definitely want to pick this one up, as this story is a wonderful bridge from transitional fiction into chapter books with its simple story and use of sporadic and detailed illustrations. This is a must read for any child who is an animal lover.

Estes, Eleanor. The Hundred Dresses. Harcourt, Brace and Co., 1944. ISBN 978-0152052607. Ages 9-12.

Wanda Petronski is different—she has a different name, she is plain and poor, and she is shy and quiet. But Peggy, Maddie, and the other girls tease her because she claims she has one hundred dresses, even though she wears the same drab one every day. Maddie wishes they wouldn’t tease her, but does not speak up until it is too late and the Petronskis leave due to their poor treatment. Written for younger tweens, even reluctant readers with little experience reading chapter books will sail through this simple story. Girls may identify with the story more, and can learn about the cattiness and bullying that often occurs between them in real life. All readers will take away from the story the moral that just because someone is different does not make it right to tease and bully them.

O’Haver, Tommy. (Director). (2004). Ella Enchanted [Motion picture]. United States: Miramax. Ages 9-14.

When Ella was born, she was given the gift of obedience by her fairy godmother. Now as a young girl, she finds that the gift has become more of a curse. For when her mean-spirited stepsister finds out about Ella’s “gift,” she tortures her for the fun of it. But even that is tolerable when she falls in love with Prince Char. Unfortunately, Char’s evil uncle has different plans for the two, and decides to use Ella’s unfortunate gift to secure his role as King once and for all. This modern retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale is based on the Newbery Honor book by Gail Carson Levine.

Shriner, Wil. (Director). (2006). Hoot [Motion picture]. United States: New Line Cinema. Ages 9-14.

As the new kid in town, Roy isn’t making any friends. So when he stumbles upon social outcast Mullet Fingers and his tough stepsister Beatrice, he is immediately intrigued by how different they are (despite the fact that they call him "Cowgirl"). And then he discovers that they are fighting to save the homes of some burrowing owls, and Roy quickly risks everything to join their cause. But can three kids make any difference against a big shot corporation, or will they have to resort to something more illegal? Based on the winner of the Newbery Honor Award by Carl Hiaasen.

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow. Scholastic, 2005. ISBN 0439353793. Ages 10-14.

This collection of photographs and experiences tells the history of the rise of Hitler and World War II from the perspective of the youth of Germany. From the millions of children who joined the Hitler Youth, to those who opposed Germany’s tyrannical leader and paid for it with their lives, to the German Jews who fought their own battle in the concentration camps—Bartoletti paints the entire picture of what it meant to be a tween or teen growing up in the shadow of Adolf Hitler, and the years of guilt and anguish they have lived with in the aftermath.

Thought provoking and heart wrenching, this unique perspective of World War II places tweens and teens at the heart of history, enabling them to experience it in a way they never have before. Centering on themes of peer pressure and conformity, it celebrates the actions of those who took a stand for what they believed was right. It also gives tweens and teens a sort of empowerment, showing them that they can make a difference in light of any circumstance. Hitler Youth are juxtaposed with staunch protestors and Jewish victims of the war, giving the history of such a troubling time a well-rounded feel. Paired with gritty, untouched photographs and firsthand accounts, this book is a must-read for any history or World War II enthusiast.

Law, Ingrid. Savvy. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2008. ISBN 978-0803733060. Ages 9-12.

Whenever a Beaumont turns thirteen, that’s when their savvy strikes. For Mississippi (but call her Mibs, please), that day has finally arrived. But the anticipation of discovering her special power is overshadowed by a tragic accident in the family. So when Mibs thinks she’s discovered her savvy, she is certain that she was meant to make things right and sets out on a runaway wild adventure with her brothers Fish and Samson, and the preacher’s kids Will Jr. and Bobbi by her side. But when her savvy turns out to be something completely different, it is all Mibs can do to persevere and try to make the best of the situation.